144-Hour Visa-Free Transit (TWOV) for Tourists
One-stop, step-by-step guide for foreign travelers transiting China visa-free for up to 144 hours — with quick eligibility, required documents, how to apply at the border, key cautions, eligible countries/regions, and FAQs. （外国游客144小时过境免签全流程指引）
Policy overview 概览
Who it’s for
Passport holders from designated countries who transit China on the way to a third country/region.
How long
Up to 144 hours (counted from 00:00 the day after entry); some ports may allow up to 240h.
Where
Designated international ports of entry/exit in approved regions (e.g., Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei; Shanghai–Jiangsu–Zhejiang; Guangdong, etc.).
Quick eligibility checklist 资格自查
- Nationality — Your passport is from one of the eligible countries (see list below).
- Itinerary — A → China → B (B is a third country/region, not your origin and not mainland China).
- Onward ticket — Confirmed date & seat within 144 hours after entry.
- Ports — You enter/exit via designated ports and stay within the permitted region.
- Purpose — Tourism/short transit only; not for work/study/long-term stays.
Tip: Airlines may check these at departure. 航司值机通常会核验以上条件。
Required documents 材料清单
- Passport (recommended ≥ 3 months validity; at least one blank page).
- Onward ticket to a third country/region within 144 hours (air/rail/ship; e-ticket printout recommended).
- Temporary Entry/Exit Card for 72/144-hour TWOV (fill at immigration counter on arrival).
- Helpful but optional: hotel booking in the permitted region; outline of your plan.
How to apply at the border 办理流程
- Arrive at a designated port. Follow the signs for “72/144-hour Visa-Free Transit / TWOV”.
- Submit documents. Show passport, onward ticket, and the TWOV card; state you are transiting to Country/Region B within 144 hours.
- Get the Temporary Entry Permit. Check the printed expiry date/time carefully.
- Enjoy your stay within the permitted region; depart before the deadline via a designated exit port in that region.
Use simple phrases if needed: “I need 144-hour visa-free transit to [destination].”
Important notes 注意事项
- Time limit is strict. Countdown starts 00:00 the day after entry; overstay may lead to fines or future entry issues.
- Designated ports & region only. Stay within the approved area tied to your entry port; exit from a designated port in the same scheme.
- Transit to a third country/region only. A→China→A does not qualify.
- Accommodation registration. Hotels register automatically; private stays must register with local police within 24 hours.
- If your plan changes due to cancellations, contact local immigration in advance for guidance.
Eligible countries (overview) 适用国家
For convenience only — always follow the latest list from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) / port of entry. 以下为便览，具体以国家移民管理部门与入境口岸最新公布为准。
| Region | Countries (examples / keep this table updated) |
|---|---|
| Europe — Schengen | Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland… |
| Europe — Other | United Kingdom, Ireland, Russia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ukraine, Norway, Switzerland (if not listed above), etc. |
| Americas | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile… |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
| Asia | Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar… |
Want us to double-check your passport and route? Contact us.
Designated ports & movement rules 口岸与活动范围
| Region / Scheme | Examples of designated ports & notes |
|---|---|
| Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) | Airports such as Beijing Capital (PEK) / Daxing (PKX), Tianjin; movement allowed within the whole BTH region; exit via designated ports in BTH. |
| Yangtze River Delta (YRD: Shanghai–Jiangsu–Zhejiang) | Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Nanjing Lukou, select seaports/rail; move freely within Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang; exit from a YRD port. |
| Guangdong Province | Airports like Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an, Jieyang Chaoshan; movement within Guangdong; exit from Guangdong’s designated ports. |
| Liaoning Province | Shenyang Taoxian, Dalian Zhoushuizi, etc.; movement within Liaoning. |
| Other provinces/cities | Several additional ports participate (e.g., Chengdu, Xiamen, Xi’an, etc.). Always check the specific port for its scope and stay length. |
Note: Lists above evolve. Confirm with your airline and the port of entry before you travel.
FAQ
Is 144 hours counted from landing time?
No. It is generally counted from 00:00 on the day after entry. Always check the expiry printed on your permit.
Can I arrive in Shanghai and leave from Hangzhou?
Yes, within the same regional scheme (e.g., YRD). You must still depart via a designated exit port in that scheme.
Does Hong Kong/Macau count as a third region?
Commonly accepted as “third regions”, but final decisions rest with your airline and the border officer. Carry proof of onward travel.
Need help with your route or documents?
We can review your plan and craft a culture-rich stopover experience within the permitted region.
Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only. Entry decisions are made by Chinese immigration at the port of entry.